Is Sashimi Dangerous?

Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy made from very fresh raw fish or meat. It is often served as an appetizer in sushi restaurants. While sashimi is considered a healthy dish, there are some risks associated with eating it. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of eating sashimi and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Are The Dangers In Eating Sashimi?

1. Parasites

One of the dangers of eating sashimi is that the fish or meat may contain parasites. These parasites can cause food poisoning or other illnesses. To avoid this, make sure to buy sashimi from a reputable source and cook it properly.

There are two main types of parasites that can be found in raw fish: anisakis worms and diphyllobothrium latum tapeworms.

• Anisakis worms are about one to three centimeters long and live in the stomachs of fish-eating mammals like whales, dolphins, and seals. If you eat raw fish that contains an anisakis worm, it can attach itself to your intestine and cause severe vomiting and abdominal pain. In some cases, the worm can even perforate your intestine.
• Diphyllobothrium latum tapeworms are much larger than anisakis worms, measuring up to 12 meters in length. These tapeworms live in the intestines of freshwater fish like salmon and trout. If you eat raw fish infected with diphyllobothrium latum, the tapeworm will attach itself to your intestine and start to grow. This can lead to weight loss, vitamin B12 deficiency, and other problems.

While parasites are a danger in eating sashimi, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Make sure to buy sashimi from a reputable source and cook it properly. Freezing the fish for 24 hours will also kill any parasites that may be present.

2. Bacteria

Another danger of eating sashimi is bacteria. Raw fish can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. To avoid this, make sure to buy sashimi from a reputable source and cook it properly. Freezing the fish for 24 hours will also kill any bacteria that may be present.

Are There Any Food-Borne Illnesses Known From Sashimi?

There are several food-borne illnesses that have been linked to eating sashimi. These include:

• Salmon poisoning disease – This disease is caused by a bacteria called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. It is found in freshwater fish like salmon and trout. Symptoms of salmon poisoning disease include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. If not treated quickly, the disease can be fatal.
• Anisakiasis – This condition is caused by the anisakis worm. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, the worm can also cause allergic reactions.
• Diphyllobothriasis – This condition is caused by the diphyllobothrium latum tapeworm. Symptoms include weight loss, vitamin B12 deficiency, and diarrhea.

If you think you may have any of these illnesses, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid food-borne illness, make sure to buy sashimi from a reputable source and cook it properly. Freezing the fish for 24 hours will also kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present.